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Submitted November 1, 2004
On the Appointment of a
Jesuit
to Head the New Patristic
Institute |
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Dear Editor,
The
appointment of a Jesuit and a Papist
theologian to head the Holy Cross Seminary
Orthodox Institute of Patristic Studies is simply
astounding for its boldness in betraying Orthodox
principles and sensibilities. Beyond this
betrayal, however, the mentality underlying this
decision is very revealing, although sadly
typical. Namely, that on account of the desire to
"not remain a little grocery store" but be
accepted by the worldly, a papist theologian, and
no less a Jesuit, was chosen. How sad. How
pathetic. It is not enough that this kind of
inferiority complex has permeated so much of the
immigrant Orthodox community and ruined many a
soul through immersion into the worldliness of
"fulfilling the American dream", etc., but now
this mentality is informing major decisions
regarding the faith.
If Fr. Clapsis and those who supported his
decision have no sense, at least they should have
some shame and repent of this betrayal of Orthodox
theology and faith. If one does not confess the
Orthodox faith and live it, how can he possibly
run an Orthodox Institute for Patristic Studies?!
Have we gone back into our western captivity so
soon? Have we learned nothing of the failure of
western Christians who subjected their faith to
scholastic scrutiny and rationalism? Have we now
jettisoned the maxim that a theologian is one who
prays and one who prays is a theologian? Is
experience now unnecessary in order to theologize?
Have we forgotten that the demons tremble and
believe?!
If those responsible for this ghastly decision do
not find their way to repentance and humble
themselves before the faithful and before God,
its these demons they will resemble in their
boldness and shamelessness. God forbid it! Please
repent while there is still time, and place a
faithful, confessing Orthodox Christian at the
head of this institute, and confess that the world
means little to you, but that you are Christ's and
His Church is "not of this world." So be it. So be
it.
Joseph Hostetler
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